NEW ARMY COMMANDER MUST ENSURE PEACE, STABILITY

NOKWANE – One of the key expectations to Lieutenant General Mashikilisana Moses Fakudze, the acting Army Commander is to ensure peace and stability in the country.

This task was highlighted by Prince Hlangusempi, the National Chief Defence Officer, who announced the appointment Lieutenant General Fakudze, a General Court Marshal, who once served as an Advocate at the High Court of Eswatini. The prince made the announcement on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, who is the Commander-In-Chief of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF). When making the announcement during a press conference, which was held at the army headquarters in Nokwane yesterday morning, the national chief defence officer was with the Ministry of Defence Under Secretary (US) Sanele Malambe, who was representing the Principal Secretary (PS) in the ministry, Prince Sicalo, Tindvuna Saddam Magongo and Themba Ginindza, together with senior army officials.

The prince said everyone would remember that recently, on Monday to be specific, former Army Commander Jeffery Tshabalala publicly announced his resignation from the position following events which developed and put him as the head of the army in a precarious position. He stated that the former army commander announced his resignation after consulting with Their Majesties. He said the resignation of Tshabalala left a vacant post in the army and the Commander-In-Chief of the military, His Majesty King Mswati III found it worthwhile to replace the former army commander as soon as possible because the position was a critical one. “We are here with tindvuna to deliver a report that the King has identified a person who will act in the position of the army commander,” the prince said. However, he emphasised that he was not sent to announce a new army commander, because emaSwati know how a person to fill that position was appointed. It is worth noting that usually, the King appoints security chiefs during the forces day, including the army commander, who is announced during the army day.

Events

The national chief defence officer said due to the surge of COVID-19 cases, some events have been put on hold. However, he said once the situation improves, the Commander-In-Chef will appoint someone who will officially fill the position. In the meantime, he said the country’s operations could not be at a standstill because of the COVID-19 pandemic, thus the King appointed a person, who will lead the military on acting basis, until the new army commander was announced.  “We are all aware of the prevailing situation in the country and the King would expect the army and the nation to support the acting army commander so that he can ensure there is peace and stability in the country,” the prince said. The national chief defence officer emphasised that the acting army commander would be expected do all the work of an army commander until one was appointed and announced.  It is worth noting that Lieutenant General Fakudze was among the five senior army officials, who were promoted by the King in 2018, before government introduced the hiring freeze, which also affected promotions in the civil service.

The acting army commander was promoted from the rank of major general to his current one; lieutenant general, while the other four senior army officials were elevated from the rank of brigadier general to major general. Again, the acting army commander is one of the people who usually perform rituals during Butimba, which is an official hunting expedition, which is authorised by the King in the country. The hunting which takes place in a chosen game reserve is open to all emaSwati under the instruction of the King.

It is worth noting that the appointment of the acting army commander happened against the backdrop of the recently experienced political unrest in the country. About two months ago, there was political turmoil across the country which culminated in looting and vandalism of private and public property, including businesses, some of which were burnt. As a result, dozens of people were killed, while others were left injured and several others were arrested in connection with the criminal offences which took place. According to government, the damages amounted to about E3 billion and approximately 5 000 jobs were left at stake.

Briefly about the acting Army Commander

Lieutenant General Mashikilisana Moses Fakudze was born on November 12, 1963 at Zombodze. He did his primary and secondary education at Zombodze National School and completed his high school level at St Christopher’s High School between 1980 and 1981. He enlisted in the UEDF in 1982; as such, he is a member of Inqaba Regiment. Between the years 1984 to 1988, he enrolled at the University of Eswatini where he attained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Law. In 1992, he enrolled in the University of Kwazulu Natal, where he attained his LLB. He served his articles at S.A Nkosi and Company Law Firm. In 1996, he successfully wrote and passed his bar exam.  He also served as an advocate at the High Court of Eswatini and in the same year, he was appointed as the legal advisor of the defence force. In 2001, he was appointed by the Commander-In-Chief of the army, His Majesty King Mswati III, as chairman of the General Court Marshal, a position he holds to date.
Military courses
Legal Aspects of Combating Corruption - United States (2017)
International Law of Military Operations – United States (2006)
Regional Junior Officers Course – Botswana (2000)   
Defence Management – South Africa (1998)
Legal Aspect of Peace Keeping - United States (1998)
Law of War – Italy (1996)
Military appointments
2018 – Lieutenant General
2016 – Major General
2013 – Brigadier General
2006 – Colonel
2001 – Lieutenant Colonel
2000 – Major
1995 – Captain
1990 – 2nd Lieutenant

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